Like Diesels, Spec Racing? Apply Now for VW’s TDI Cup!

As 2007 winds to a close, are you looking for something to do throughout 2008? If so, you may want to toss your name into Volkswagen’s hat. The company’s launching the TDI Cup Series, and if you’re an amateur racer between the ages of 16 and 26 with some luck, you just may get some time behind the wheel.

(Click through the jump for more on VW’s amateur race series)

Remember the New Beetle, Polo or GTI Cup series? It’s basically the same thing, but with a lot more diesel involved. Throughout the course of the year, 30 drivers will battle it out over a series of tracks. Playing into VW’s Dieselogy tour, the TDI Cup notably features race-prepped Jetta TDIs, all equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 TDI, coupled to a six-speed DSG transmission. The TDI’s power is boosted somewhat; the race-spec motor pushes 170 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque in comparison to the production car’s 140 hp and 236 lb-ft.

There’s a decent payout, too. $1,500 should you cross underneath the checkered flag first, $100,000 if you end up as the series point champion. If you manage to rack up the most points and score a professional driving gig in the following six months, there’s an extra $250,000 in it for you. Baseline fee to participate is around $35,000, although VW seemingly covers most of the costs and complexities of owning and maintaining the cars.

Sound fun? You’ve got until February 1st to register and submit an application video through VW’s website. Should the Motorsport board - consisting of VW drivers Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero, to name a few - return a thumbs up, you’re in the pack. May the fahrvenugen be with you.

+ Volkswagen Motorsport